As smartphone manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of mobile photography, Xiaomi is preparing to make a significant leap forward with its upcoming flagship series. Recent leaks suggest a major camera upgrade that could reshape the competitive landscape in the premium smartphone segment.
Periscope Camera Evolution
The upcoming Xiaomi 16 series is set to mark a significant milestone by incorporating periscope telephoto cameras across its entire lineup, including the standard model. This represents a substantial upgrade from the current Xiaomi 15 series, where only the Pro model features this advanced camera technology. The periscope lens implementation will enable superior optical zoom capabilities by utilizing a 90-degree light path bending mechanism, resulting in enhanced image quality for long-range photography.
Technical Specifications and Platform
According to Digital Chat Station, a reliable industry insider, the Xiaomi 16 series will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset (SM8850). This new processor, expected to launch in October 2025, will be manufactured using TSMC's N3P process technology. The platform promises significant improvements in both processing power and GPU performance compared to its predecessor, potentially setting new benchmarks for mobile computing capabilities.
Expected Specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850)
- Manufacturing Process: TSMC N3P
- Display: 6.36-inch screen (base model)
- Camera System: Periscope telephoto lens across all models
- Development Stage: PVT expected in Q2 2025
Development Timeline
The Xiaomi 16 series is currently in its early development stages and is expected to enter Product Validation Testing (PVT) in the second quarter of 2025. This timeline suggests that Xiaomi is maintaining its typical annual release cycle, though the company is still focused on the global launch of the Xiaomi 15 series, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Timeline:
- Xiaomi 15 Global Launch: Q1 2025
- Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Launch: October 2025
- Xiaomi 16 PVT Stage: Q2 2025
Design and Display
While maintaining its cutting-edge camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 16 is rumored to retain the popular 6.36-inch compact screen size that has been well-received since the Xiaomi 13. This decision demonstrates Xiaomi's commitment to balancing advanced features with practical usability, offering a more manageable form factor compared to many competing flagship devices.
Market Position
This strategic move to implement periscope cameras across the entire series appears to be a direct response to competition from manufacturers like vivo and Oppo, who have already incorporated this technology in their standard flagship models. By standardizing this feature across its lineup, Xiaomi aims to strengthen its position in the premium smartphone segment and provide a more competitive photography experience for all users, regardless of which model they choose.